Dana Goldstein writes about the collapse of for-profit public school company Edison Schools and the politics of its rebirth as an educational technology company:
The "Edison School Design" would combine a number of reform strategies proven effective for low-income students, including small schools-within-schools, longer school days and years, frequent diagnostic testing, and uniform reading and math curricula.It sounded too good to be true -- and for the most part, it was. The company went public in 1999 and traded for $40 per share at its 2001 peak. But Edison fell from grace as its track record emerged -- years in the red, unremarkable academics, accounting irregularities that led to an SEC investigation, and trouble retaining teachers. In a massive buyout facilitated by then-Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, a proponent of for-profit education, Edison became a private company again in 2003. Many districts severed their ties to Edison, though the company continued to plug along, determined to take advantage of a provision in No Child Left Behind that encouraged private managers to take over failing public schools.
And Paul Waldman argues Obama should pick a shadow cabinet:
But what if there were a way for Obama to get all the benefits of whoever his VP choice is and simultaneously shore up all the areas in which that choice might fall short? What if he could show strength on both foreign and domestic policy at the same time? What if in a single press conference, Obama could provide both excitement and reassurance? What if he could satisfy his base and reach out to independents? Is there a way for him to truly offer something for everyone?Picture this: Obama announces his VP choice like every other candidate does, with a press conference praising the running mate. But then he says, "And I have something more to announce. I believe it's important for the American people to know where I intend to take the country, and the team I'll put in place to get us there. So today, I'm also announcing that a group of extraordinary leaders has agreed to join my administration, should I be fortunate enough to win this election." The curtain opens, and out walks President Obama's Cabinet.
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--The Editors
